Today Minister for Social Services, the Hon Amanda Rishworth, announced Liz Neville as the Director of the Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) following a rigorous recruitment process.
Liz Neville has been acting in the role since June 2023. Prior to this she was a senior executive at the National Disability Insurance Agency, leading the establishment of the Children's Taskforce, and formerly leading the government and markets divisions.
Liz previously worked in state government and in professional advisory services, and had an early career in frontline service delivery and advocacy for peak body organisations in the not-for-profit sector. With a background in disability, aged care and community services Liz has qualifications in social work, education and evaluation.
'I am pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Neville into the role of Director of AIFS," Minister Rishworth said.
'Ms Neville will continue to bring valuable policy and operational experience to the role, particularly as the former Head of the Children's Taskforce in the National Disability and Insurance Agency.'
'Our Government recognises the value of the work AIFS does to support the family services sector, and will continue to work closely with Ms Neville to ensure AIFS' research, evaluation and knowledge translation supports the government to address the major forces, trends and transitions that will impact Australian families over coming decades.'
Liz Neville said she was thrilled to be leading an organisation that makes such an important contribution to the wellbeing of Australian families.
'Families are the core unit of society. When working well, they help us feel safe and supported, nurture our social values and serve as the basis for a cohesive society,' Liz Neville said.
'It is an honour to be entrusted to build on AIFS' proud 44-year history putting families at the centre, deeply understanding the issues that impact them, and building a strong evidence base to inform policy and practice in the sector.'
AIFS is the Australian Government's key research agency focussed on family wellbeing. The Institute produces high-quality, impartial research into the wellbeing of Australian families, to inform government policy and promote evidence-based practice in the family services sector.
AIFS also incorporates the Australian Gambling Research Centre (AGRC), which was established under the Gambling Measures Act 2012.
For more visit www.aifs.gov.au.
